Milford Farmers’ Market
Small but mighty sums up the vibe at the market in this verdant eastern suburb—38 years and still going strong. Market manager Donna Kluba is devoted to the producer-only model—all items must be grown by the individual farm or produced by the stall owner— with the goal of supporting farmers from rural areas in Clermont, Brown, and Highland counties. While only 10–13 vendors regularly sell at this seasonal Saturday market, the quality is superb. Don’t miss the eggs, berries, popcorn, and herbs from Hetterick Farms, or pick up sunflowers from Jaybird Farms. We also snagged a lovely plum jam from Shelly’s Jams and Jellies. “We have plenty of vegetable growers,” explains Kluba. “But we’re always trying to fill in gaps. I’d like to find a bread maker, and someone who specializes in fruit.” Either way, we’ll continue to make this a regular Saturday stop.
June–October: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2–5 p.m., Milford Shopping Center, milfordfarmersmarket.com
Madeira Farmers’ Market
Madeira’s farmers’ market just feels like its environs: tidy, picturesque, social. Kids, sucking on Streetpops frozen treats, hang out while their wagon-pulling moms catch up with neighbors. On pleasant afternoons, the crew from Turner Farm in Indian Hill drives their Clydesdale hitch up Camargo Road hauling the day’s offerings, parking the horses in the shade (and putting the farm in farmers’ market). Madeira boasts a full-on assortment of growers, producers, and artisans: Keep an eye out for the late-summer sweet corn at Lobenstein Farm’s stand. Flavors from around the globe somehow make their way here: Czech pastries, Bavarian pretzels, Greek olive oil, Eastern European pickles. The wood smoke wafting above Fireside Pizza will give you a serious case of the hungries, so if you’re shopping on an empty stomach, consider yourself warned.
May–September: Thursdays, 3:30–7 p.m., downtown Madeira; Winter market: Thursdays, 3:30–6 p.m., indoors at Silverwood Presbyterian Church, madeirafarmersmarket.com
Hyde Park Farmers’ Market
Now in its 14th year, the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market emerged in its full glory in 2012 when it moved from a bank parking lot to the main square. Stalls for nearly 30 vendors line the tree-shaded block in a scene that’s about as bucolic-Midwestern as you can get. You’ll find everything you need for a week’s worth of dinners, from grill-ready Owl Creek bison burgers to Patrizia’s fresh pasta, plus a bouquet of Hazelfield Farm flowers to grace your table. Grab an espresso from La Terza and a Taste of Belgium waffle for the caffeine-and-sugar-buzz to keep you going. Fresh produce is abundant all season long, from spring greens and garlic scapes to fall apples and squash. Timing is everything here, though—10:30 a.m. seems to be the sweet spot. Arrive too early and you will face long lines for Blue Oven Bakery; too late, and many vendors are sold out.
May–October: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., on Hyde Park Square, hydeparkfarmersmarket.com
Anderson Farmers’ Market
It’s always a delight to discover new-to-you vendors at a farmers’ market you haven’t visited before. Located at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on Beechmont Avenue, the Anderson Farmers’ Market has a cool mix of sellers, mostly smaller farmers and producers who aren’t on the lineup at larger markets like Hyde Park and Findlay. Be sure to pick up lavender and organic Shea soap from the Tree Hugger Soap Company. The home-baked goods from Anne’s Kitchen are as beautiful as they are tasty, and the summer squash from Cassandra Farm is worth a try; a fellow market vendor wholeheartedly endorsed its sheer awesomeness. Shadeau Breads is also a welcome presence; do your taste buds a favor and take home a loaf of their sliced ciabatta and pasta from Bouchard’s for a perfect Italian dinner.
May–October: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, andersonfarmersmarket.org
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